Today PaleoPathologist visited his “friends” at Trufit in Denver, and was introduced to the ARX machines they just got. I suspect this just may be the next step in exercise evolution, intensity, effectiveness, and safety. The machine is designed to give you the perfect amount of resistance on the positive (concentric) AND negative (eccentric) phase of the repetitions, with multiple different exercises. PaleoPathologist thought he basically had the HIT (High Intensity Training) thing down, going to momentary muscle failure. PaleoPathologist was wrong. Welcome to Super High Intensity Training.
Tag Archives: activity
What one exercise modality gives you bone and muscle strength AND cardio conditioning?
Drew Baye has been doing a great job of training athletes and ordinary folk for many years. His blog is full of information (mostly for bodybuilding but many other posts as well). I enjoy his writing. This newest one just re-emphasizes how efficient a good high intensity weight program (like the Body by Science Superslow style workout PaleoPathologist does every ten days or so at TruFit Health in Denver) really can be. TEN DAYS?? Yes. Properly done weight training ALSO gives you an excellent Cardio workout! How long has this been known? Would you believe 1975?
In short, maximal stimulation of muscles releases growth signals. This makes muscles grow, sure, but ALSO appears to help other tissues grow and repair. There is a correlation between muscle/lean mass and organ function, including heart function. PaleoPathologist is interested, and PaleoPathologist’s Pater, 86, still is going strong with HIS weightlifting. He is my inspiration.
PaleoPathologist is huffing like a racehorse at the end of the Leg Press. I was a breaststroke swimmer in high school and college and left it all in the pool when I raced, so I know what lactic acidosis feels like and this really does it. I’m up to 330 pounds (well, Nautilus pounds; who knows what that really translates to) for two minutes.
PaleoPathologist thinks that machines are just as good as free weights, and have a lower potential for injury. Other than aggravating a pre-existing shoulder problem if chest press form deteriorates, and one back spasm from overdoing the low back machine, NO injuries in over a year.
TruFit has a brand new toy, also, called an ARX machine. It is supposed to electronically adapt to your strength at every point during the repetition and meter out exactly the resistance you need. Yeah, PaleoPathologist is pretty sure that he has to try this new toy, as soon as possible!
So have you ever tried high intensity weight training? What has your experience been?
Tip: How to run efficiently and with fewer injuries
Here is a site that goes through an entire running course, teaching stride, form, pace, etc. PaleoPathologist has never really been much of a runner but still secretly harbors a “bucket list” idea of doing…a marathon. Yes, you who know me can stop laughing now. I did a 100 mile bike ride a few years back from Glenwood Springs to Aspen and back along a railroad trail that hugs the Roaring Fork, beautiful ride.
So what do you think of this site? Does it do a good job of presenting good running form?
Tip: shut off the screens and play this weekend.
Go out and have some fun. Make time for consecutive deep thoughts. Play! Get outside! Walk with a loved one, without a heart rate monitor or GPS to track your steps. Write in a journal. Pray or meditate. Turn off your alarm. Jared Diamond says in one of his books that he found Hunter Gatherer tribal men spend about 20 hrs/week supplying all the food their family needs. The rest of the time is spent in play with children, religious pursuits, dancing around the fire…sounds great to me! (He also noted that his physician, lawyer, and accountant friends were not happy to hear this particular finding.) Thanks to Michael Hyatt for this hint.
How do we enlighten others to better health?
Here are some brief success stories from people that PaleoPathologist has coached, evangelized, or just talked with. It can be so reassuring to know that people can make a difference in their own lives!
PaleoPathologist tip of the day on Sunburn
PaleoPathologist is fortunate enough to go with Incredible Wife (IW) and a mix of daughters, sons in law, grandsons, parents, etc. to a beach trip each summer. Sometimes it is Holden Beach, North Carolina, this summer it was La Jolla, CA. The picture of course is totally candid, unposed, and naturally I was breathing in a totally relaxed and easy manner...